Indiana Beer News – Feb 3

After a year’s absence, the tradition of a side-by-side tasting of the Replicale will return on Wed. Feb 23rd at 6pm at the Tomlinson Tap Room. On tap will be New Albanian, Broad Ripple, Great Crescent, People’s, Rock Bottom North, Sun King, Upland, and maybe more.

We hope HB 1093 isn’t dead, meaning no beer tent at the Indiana State Fair, but Bill Davis, the Chairman of the Public Policy Committee, doesn’t seem to like it. His office’s stock reply to queries says

“On one hand, I understand the desire of many people to have alcohol available at the State Fair, but on the other hand, I also understand the compelling interest in keeping the State Fair a safe and family-friendly place where we show our children that we can have fun without the presence of alcohol.  I am keeping an open mind on this issue and will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as we proceed.”

In other legislative news:

• SB 78 – (Don’t card if over 40) has two more sponsors. Tomes and Nugent
• SB 112 - (Wholesalers can distribute beer, wine, and liquor) has a more authors. Steele, Arnold, Taylor, and Hershman join Merritt. Passed out of the Public Policy Committee. Now there are lots of amendments.

Sammy Smith writes: “I happened to be in Sarasota, FL the weekend of the Winterfest however I did happen to stumble into this craft beer bar called Mr Beery’s. http://www.mrbeeryssrq.com Check out their beer list (draft & bottles). Cheers!

Pete Slosberg’s Pete’s Wicked Ale has been around since 1986. He sold the brand to the Gambrinus Company in 1998 and they are now discontinuing it. Sigh.

Yuengling’s has finally joined the Brewers Association.